A conflict ensued regarding the organization of a meeting at the Thoothukudi CSI Church. Resulting in a tumultuous situation, two factions engaged in a heated altercation, exchanging offensive language and hurling insults at each other. The incident was recorded on camera, and the viral video has sent shockwaves throughout the CSI church community.
Tension arose at St. Patrick’s Church, associated with the Thoothukudi – Nazareth Diocese near the 1st Railway Gate in Thoothukudi. The conflict unfolded following the establishment of a new Committee (Sekara Kootam) led by Pastorate Chairman Selwyn Durai and Lay Secretary Giftson. Committee members Koilpichai, Devarajan, STK Rajan, and Ruban were subsequently removed from the committee, intensifying the discord with Pastorate Chairman Selvin Durai and rival factions.
NewsTamil24x7 has allegedly reported that this incident is a conspiracy orchestrated by Pastorate Chairman Selwyn Durai and Lay Secretary Giftson, aimed at influencing the upcoming elections in the Nazareth Diocese. This alleged plot is particularly centered around Giftson’s imminent expiration of lay secretary posting within two months, with another member, STK Rajan, planning to contest for the position. As part of a broader scheme to secure election as the Bishop of the church, Selwyn Durai supposedly desires to have his candidate within for support during the elections. Allegedly, they conspired with their supporters, coordinating through WhatsApp, and conducted a secret meeting in the church. Upon learning of this information, the opposing faction engaged in a confrontation, involving verbal insults and a physical altercation. This led to a protest, asserting a breach of rules, with the Tehsildar having previously issued an order prohibiting the formation of a committee.
On the flip side, the Pastorate Chairman, Selwyn Durai was questioned by the reporter and he alleged rampant corruption within the church, highlighting numerous instances of misappropriation. Specifically, he points out that accounts amounting to ₹27 lakhs were earmarked for the construction of a new church, but no progress has been made. Additionally, over the past 40 years, administration has been exclusively led by a single faction.
A heated argument ensued between the two factions, leading both sides to file complaints against each other. Intervention by the police and revenue department facilitated negotiations, successfully dispersing the conflicting parties. Subsequently, peace talks were initiated, and a decision was made that no committee meetings would be held at St. Patrick’s Church.
வேதம் சொல்லும் வாயால் ஆபாச வார்த்தை! தேவாலயத்தில் அங்கியோடு மத போதகர் சண்டை; காற்றில் பறந்த புனிதம்#Thoothukudi #Chruch #Fight #Complaint #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/Lh5sFChLPS
— News Tamil 24×7 | நியூஸ் தமிழ் 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) February 17, 2024
In the preceding month of January 2024, Dinamalar covered an altercation between two factions purportedly involved in overseeing the management of the Diocese. Mohan, an administrative employee, was terminated from his position. Subsequently, he arrived at the Diocese office claiming to have received a court order instructing him to resume work. David Rajan had recently taken over Mohan’s role. This led to a confrontation and physical altercation between the two groups within the office premises. The Tuticorin North Police swiftly intervened, defusing the tension.
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